Unchain Our Children and SAPS Unite: Educating Kids Against Hidden Dangers threatening their safety

Pretoria, September, 1 2025 - As part of Unchain Our Children’s ongoing mission to raise awareness about child safety, a collaborative outreach was held today at a Pretoria primary school alongside specialized South African Police Services (SAPS) units.

Attendees included Warrant Officer Melani Smit from Pretoria Moot Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS), Captain Yolande van Huysteen from SAPS Forensic Social Workers (FSW), W/O Frans Spang from SAPS Water Wing, W/O Len Williams from the SAPS Search & Rescue Dog Unit K9, and AC Lucky Mitchell from Crime Stop, Mounted Unit Division Detective and Forensic Services. The the Innesdal Fire Brigade rolled in with their impressive Engine 152 Fire truck.

The session focused on practical education, teaching children safety basics, responses to unsafe situations, and where to seek help. By introducing kids to authority figures like police and firefighters in a friendly setting, the outreach builds trust and familiarity with emergency services—key for young minds impressionable at this age. Such interactions prepare children to act decisively if threatened, embedding vital knowledge early.

South Africa faces alarming threats to child safety. In 2024/25, reported child abuse and neglect cases reached 26,000, including 9,859 sexual abuse incidents. Child trafficking remains rampant, with 234 victims rescued in the same period, and a 43% rise in child victim rates from 2019-2020. Hijackings involving children are surging, with 66% of kidnappings linked to aggravated robberies, 44% occurring during hijackings, and over 4,500 kidnapping cases in early 2025.

UOC and SAPS counter these through preventative measures like school awareness

campaigns, cyber security training, and gender-based violence initiatives. SAPS establishes Safe School Committees to prevent crime, manage incidents, and promote reporting. These partnerships foster community prevention, urging adults to report abuse and build safer environments for South Africa’s youth.

Discover & Connect:

Book the UOC Team for a visit to your school – Contact Wayne: 072 364 8246